Protein Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Join the Rubul Mout Laboratory in the Division of Immunobiology at Cincinnati Children's, where we are developing innovative protein-based technologies to improve immune function and advance next-generation cancer vaccines and immunotherapies. Our research combines immunology, cellular biology, protein engineering, and synthetic biology to better understand and control immune cell development, signaling, and function.

We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious Research Assistant II or III to contribute to cutting-edge studies focused on T cell and dendritic cell biology, hematopoietic stem cell development, immune signaling pathways, and translational approaches to treating cancer, infectious diseases, and immune disorders. This position offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art molecular biology, protein engineering, immunology, and stem cell technologies in a highly collaborative and innovative research environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and laboratory team to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, maintain laboratory operations, and contribute to scientific publications and presentations. The position provides strong mentorship, opportunities for professional development, and exposure to a broad range of advanced research techniques.

• Perform experiments and record data following established research protocols while understanding the scientific principles underlying the research.
• Design and execute daily laboratory experiments in coordination with senior laboratory personnel.
• Perform recombinant protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization using bacterial and mammalian expression systems.
• Conduct mammalian cell culture and maintenance.
• Culture, differentiate, and characterize hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
• Perform T cell and dendritic cell culture, differentiation, phenotyping, and functional assays.
• Utilize flow cytometry and other immunological techniques to assess immune cell populations and function.
• Perform molecular biology procedures including DNA cloning, plasmid preparation, PCR, protein analysis, and other standard laboratory techniques.
• Analyze experimental data and perform statistical and graphical analyses.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and detailed records of experiments and results.
• Assist with experimental design, data interpretation, troubleshooting, and optimization of laboratory methods.
• Participate actively in laboratory meetings, scientific discussions, presentations, publications, and grant-related activities.
• Contribute data, figures, and written content for reports, abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Present research findings during laboratory meetings and group presentations.

• Utilize internal and external scientific resources to evaluate, reproduce, improve, and implement research methodologies.
• Troubleshoot experiments and modify techniques when appropriate to meet project objectives.
• Evaluate and incorporate innovative technologies and approaches to advance laboratory research goals.

• Maintain laboratory organization, inventory, and reagent stocks.
• Order laboratory supplies and coordinate routine laboratory operations.
• Prepare laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures, and documentation.
• Operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment and experimental procedures as needed.
• Ensure compliance with institutional safety requirements and regulatory guidelines.
• Conduct assigned safety monitoring and quality assurance activities.
• Assist in maintaining a productive, organized, and collaborative laboratory environment.

• Assist with mouse colony management and animal husbandry activities.
• Perform routine animal procedures in accordance with institutional and IACUC guidelines.
• Assist with tissue collection, processing, and downstream immunological analyses.

• Demonstrate expertise in laboratory techniques and serve as a resource to team members.
• Assist in training postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate trainees, and junior laboratory personnel.
• Collaborate effectively with laboratory staff, colleagues, and research partners.
• Maintain strong working relationships and provide responsive support to internal and external stakeholders.

• Required for RAII:

  High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline OR

  Preferred:

  Bachelor's degree in a related field

  Required for RAIII:

  Bachelor's degree in a related field AND 1 year of directly related experience OR Master's degree in a related field

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for scientific research and learning new experimental techniques.

Experience with one or more of the following is desirable but not required:

• Recombinant protein expression and purification
• Mammalian cell culture
• Flow cytometry
• Molecular cloning and DNA manipulation
• Stem cell biology
• Immunology and immune cell assays
• Mouse handling and animal research
• Protein biochemistry and characterization techniques
• Statistical analysis and scientific data visualization

Expected Starting Range:20.57 - 25.72 (RAII)52,624-62,150.40 (RAIII)

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